It’s a little like being in the Twilight Zone. Erik doesn’t belong here at Hartman, with my friend saying his name like it’s the most normal thing in the world. Erik belongs in a grand house by the river in a whole different world.

But there he is, climbing the steps to the stage. Just like that.

My skin crawls and my heart pounds in this sickening way. I sink lower in my chair, but my eyes follow his every move. He looks the same, but different. He’s just as handsome as ever, maybe even more so if that’s possible, but he’s broader in the chest and his hair is a bit longer and he’s sporting a five o’clock shadow. He’s wearing black jeans and a casual button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up past his elbows.

I know those forearms and those hands. I know those long fingers. Down to the last detail, I remember it all.

As he settles himself on the bench and lays out his sheet music, I’m struck by his impossible good looks. Men this handsome aren’t exactly what you’d consider typical fare anywhere, but definitely not among the world of classical pianists. He looks more like a rock star.

Maybe that’s why, in the midst of the shock and pain and (yes) anger at seeing him again, my heart is still fluttering in that maddening way. Still. After all this time. After everything.

Then he begins to play.

Like the rest of him, his music is deeply familiar to me, but it too has changed. It’s more mature. More controlled. In fact, it’s absolutely heartbreaking. That deep, haunting quality to his music is still there, and its ability to render me helpless hasn’t lessened at all.

Oh, how I remember this.

What happened all those years ago has never truly left me, but seeing him and listening to him brings it all back with such freshness, I don’t know whether to cry or laugh or rage. I’m flooded with so many memories, all wrapped up in the sweet torture of his music. I’m too stunned to do more than stare. I can barely breathe.

Author Bio:

J.L. White writes steamy romances featuring smart, sexy women and the swoon-worthy men who adore them. Her sexy love stories are full of passion but don't skimp on the tenderness.

She's addicted to trendy coffee houses, poolside lounging, and HEAs. When not tapping blissfully away on her laptop, she takes time to enjoy life with her husband and their children.

Don't miss a new release! Join the JL White mailing list for updates on new books, sales, and other goodies: http://jlwhitebooks.com/get-emails-about-hot-new-releases/

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Synopsis: Lauren was just a girl looking to make a fresh start in New York City, until she meets the man that will change everything she thought she knew. Spanning over two years, from the very beginning, until the sweet end, delve into the Volkov Bratva world and learn how it all began.

Mishca and Lauren: The Complete Collection contains the first three novels of the Volkov Bratva Series, as well as the companion novella...In the Beginning(Volkov Bratva #1)Twenty-year-old Lauren Thompson left her small town in Michigan to begin a new life in the Big Apple where no one knows her name or the tragedy that had rocked her family fifteen years prior. With new friends and an intriguing new love interest, starting over is easier than she expected...but Mishca Volkov isn't what he seems. As the son of a Russian Mob boss, he thrives in a world of chaos and fear, earning the title of Bratva Captain through blood and pain.When the two cross paths, lines blur and passions ignite, bringing them closer than they could ever imagine. Until secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart. Can they fight past their demons...or were they doomed by fate before they ever met.Until the End(Volkov Bratva #2)Lauren ThompsonAfter learning the truth behind her father's tragic murder, Lauren vowed never to go near another Volkov again, but sometimes matters of the heart are too strong to resist...Mishca VolkovAs a Captain in the Volkov Bratva, Mishca has pledged his loyalty to the Vory v Zakone, but he soon finds himself at odds with the life he's always known...Until the EndWhen Mishca and Lauren fight to salvage their relationship, new obstacles present themselves, forcing the pair to make drastic choices that either tear them apart or bring them closer together...

The Final Hour(Volkov Bratva, #3)

Three months pass without incident, leading Mishca and Lauren to believe they can finally move on from the past and build a life together...but enemies both old and new lurk in the shadows, waiting for the opportunity to strike.When a dangerous threat presents itself, Lauren is forced to turn to the one person that would rather see Mishca dead than live happily ever after...she now has to step into a role that demands payment in blood.Alliances are formed, one side fighting for survival, and the other for retribution.No one can be trusted.No one is safe.War is coming....and not everyone will live to see the end of it.

Time Stood Still(Volkov Bratva, #3.5 Novella)

Can a love born of violence stand the test of time? Despite a less than ideal start to their marriage, Mishca and Lauren are finally in a place where they do not have to look over their shoulders at every turn. Now that they are in a secure place, it's time for them to have the one thing Mishca had promised her before they took their vows. A honeymoon... Traveling to the sandy beaches of Sardinia, Italy, the couple will explore what brought them together in the first place, instead of the life that constantly threatens to tear them apart. But as the newly appointed Boss of the Volkov Bratva, is it too late for Mishca to have an even remotely normal life...and is Lauren ready to face another challenge that neither of them saw coming...

EXCERPT

More importantly, was the man seated behind the cherry-wood desk. He was in his late fifties from what Mishca had told her, but just by looking at him, she wouldn’t have guessed that. His eyes were a dark gray, his black hair graying at the temples. Upon seeing her, he smiled, standing to his full height, which was just a few inches shorter than Mishca, and came around the desk, extending his hand. “You must be Lauren,” he said coolly, his accent much thicker than Mishca’s, making Lauren have to concentrate to understand him. “It is nice to finally put a face to the name.” “Nice to meet you, Mr. Volkov,” she said, taking his hand. He had a firm handshake despite his age, and made quite the imposing sight. Whereas Mishca was lean, he was built like a bull. “Please,” he said, waving a hand. “There is no need for such formalities, call me Mikhail. I trust you have met my wife, Anya.” “Yes,” she replied, smiling over at Anya. “Please have a seat,” Mikhail offered, gesturing out to the comfortable looking wingback chairs that were grouped together near the fireplace. “I must confess,” he went on after they were all seated, “when Mishca told me he was going to bring a girl here, I was astonished. I have never met any of the girls in his life.” Lauren’s brows shot up as she glanced at Mishca. A muscle ticked in his jaw, but he didn’t comment. “He must care for you greatly to bring you here.” Mishca scoffed. “You’re going to scare her off.” Mikhail’s face split into a grin, his eyes warming. “Nonsense. It is a reasonable assumption, no?” They broke out into a heated discussion in Russian, snapping back and forth, but while Mishca seemed to be growing angrier, Mikhail only appeared amused. “Would you care for something to drink, Lauren?” Anya asked, cutting in over them, walking over to an antique whiskey service that held several carafes of dark Amber liquid and a couple bottles of water. She looked between Mishca and Mikhail, shaking her head. “No, I’m fine. Thank you.” Mikhail turned his attention to the bay windows as a car drove up. “It looks like your sister is here. Could you escort her in?”Mishca hesitated, his eyes flickering to Lauren, but he ultimately stood and walked out without glancing back. “You’ll have to excuse my son,” Mikhail said conversationally, as he accepted his drink from Anya. “Love makes a man blind.” She was momentarily taken aback by what he was saying. To be honest, she had never thought that they were there in their relationship. “You don’t think so?” He asked reading her expression. “You are more important to him than you realize.”

#THEBRATVAMOTTO

#MISHCAVOLKOV

#MISHCAANDLAUREN

ABOUT LONDON MILLER

With a degree in Creative Writing, London Miller has turned pen to paper, creating riveting fictional worlds where the bad guys are sometimes the good guys. Her debut novel, In the Beginning, is the first in the Volkov Bratva Series. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two puppies, where she drinks far too much Sprite, and spends her nights writing.

Detective Jackson “Jax” McKenna walks into a psychologist’s office and finds that the doctor bears a striking resemblance to his first love, Lainie, who disappeared ten years ago after their disastrous first date ended in violence.

Dr. Elizabeth Parker is really Elaine Wilson, Jax’s Lainie. She’s been in hiding since the night that changed both their lives. Jax discovers the truth when the killer lets Lainie know he’s found her. When Jax and Lainie go on the run to keep Lainie safe, old feelings resurface as the killer threatens their lives. Can Jax save Lainie and help her stay Invisible?

The name on the file folder, J. McKenna, gave me a chill. He had been wounded in the line of duty—shot by a bank robbery suspect. Seeing the name reminded me of where I came from and why the need for hiding existed. I pushed the memories down.I’m not that person anymore. That person doesn’t exist.It wasn’t necessary to touch the necklace underneath my sweater as a reminder, but it had become a nervous habit. The locket was the only thing I had kept from that life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The door opened and Sheila showed my patient in. As my eyes met his, my heart stopped for what seemed like hours. After reading the file, I was afraid of this. How many Jackson McKenna’s could there be? The hair is shorter and the face is older, but it’s him. I would know those eyes anywhere. Jackson McKenna. He was my first love and indirectly, the reason I had to use a cane to walk farther than across the room.

I cleared my throat and stood, reaching out to shake his hand as I would with any new patient, hoping he didn’t recognize me.

“I’m Dr. Parker. Please make yourself comfortable, Officer McKenna, and we can get started.”

When I realized his right arm was in a sling and we couldn’t shake hands, I dropped mine back to my side. Picking up my notepad and pen, I hoped he didn’t see the way my hands were shaking.

“It’s actually Detective, not Officer.”

He sat on the couch across from me, observing with those hazel eyes that have haunted my dreams for ten years, and then he shook his head.

L.A. Remenicky is a forty-something wife and mother of three fur kids. A payroll professional by day, she writes out the stories in her head by night.

An avid reader all her life, she finally put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) during NaNoWriMo in 2012 and has never looked back. When she’s not typing away on her latest story with music playing in the background, she can usually be found spending time with her family and friends.

Two months after Mitch Jenkins had the rug pulled out from under him when his two-year relationship came to an abrupt end, he is still hurting. A colleague’s attempt to cheer him up brings Mitch to a secret “club.” Mitch isn’t remotely interested in the twinks parading like peacocks, until he spies the young man at the back of the room, nose firmly in a book and oblivious to his surroundings. Now Mitch is interested. Nikko Kurokawa wants to pay his debt and get the hell out of the Black Lounge—where he is forced not only to have sex, but sometimes suffer abuse to please clients. Earning his freedom isn’t proving easy, especially when he starts attracting interest. Life becomes that little bit easier to bear when he meets Mitch, who is nothing like the other men who frequent the club. And when Mitch crawls under his skin and into his heart, Nikko figures he can put up with anything. Before long he’ll be out of there, and he and Mitch can figure out if they have a future together. Neither of them counted on those who don’t want Nikko to leave….

“So?” Aaron nudged him again. “Which one lights your candle?” He grinned. “You’ve got to admit, there are some beautiful men in there.” He nodded toward one young man standing nearest the window. He was stroking down over his chest and well-defined abs, to where a thick cock jutted out toward them. Just then the young man turned and bent over, reaching back to spread his cheeks and reveal a pink, glistening hole, clearly lubed. He wiggled his ass, his dick bobbing stiffly.Aaron smothered a chuckle. “Wow. He’s eager.”That wasn’t the word in Mitch’s mind. He preferred blatant, and it wasn’t turning him on. In fact, none of them were.“This is a mistake,” he said quietly. “Thanks for bringing me here, but honestly, this isn’t me. And there isn’t one guy who does it for me.” His gaze swept across the room, taking in the smiling, pouting faces and….Mitch stopped, his pulse quickening. “Him.” How did I miss him?Aaron peered in the direction of Mitch’s stare. “Which one?”At the back of the room was a small table and a couple of armchairs facing each other. In one of them sat a young man with long, black hair tied in a single braid down his back. He was Japanese in appearance, with small, round glasses perched on his nose. Physically he was slight, not that tall as far as Mitch could tell. Unlike the others, he wore a pair of jeans and a white shirt.What caught Mitch’s attention was the fact that he was reading a book, his legs curled up under him, lost in his own world.“Mitch?” Aaron pinched his arm.“Hey!” Mitch grumbled, rubbing the spot near his elbow. “What was that for?”“You were off in cloud cuckoo land.” Aaron cocked his eyebrows. “Well? I repeat, which one?”“The one with the book.” There was something so delightfully incongruous about him that Mitch was intrigued.“Really?”Mitch dragged his gaze away to give Aaron a firm stare. “You said to take my pick, so I pick him.” He couldn’t account for the way his body reacted to the young man. His heart pounded and his mouth was dry.“That’s Nikko. He’s new here.”Mitch turned toward the speaker. A dark-haired man wearing a black suit and matching shirt smiled at him. “My name is Randy. I’m here to give you any information you require.” He gave a flick of his head toward the window. “Nikko only joined us recently. Would you like to meet him, and if so, for how long?”His heart still racing, Mitch regarded the young man who was oblivious to his surroundings. “An hour?”Beside him Aaron chuckled. “And that’s my cue to leave.” He patted Mitch on the arm. “Enjoy, with my blessing. You can tell me all about it on Monday.”“Thanks, Aaron.” Mitch gave him a warm smile. “And as for Monday? Uh-uh.” The smile became a grin. “I don’t kiss and tell.”He snorted. “Spoilsport. And you have nothing to thank me for yet.” Aaron grinned. “See ya.” He walked toward the door and gave one last wave before disappearing through it.Mitch returned his attention to Randy, who was regarding him with a hint of amusement. Mitch cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, I’m new to all this.”Randy’s smile widened. “Then you and Nikko have something in common. Do you have your card?” Mitch held it up and Randy peered at it. “Okay, that’s fine. If you’ll come with me, please?”He led Mitch through the door at the end of the lounge. They were in a long hallway with doors on either side. Randy escorted Mitch to door number seven and opened it. The room was small, but what it lacked in size, it made up for in furnishings. In the corner was a Chinese painted screen and a washbasin with a thick towel hanging from a rail beside it. Most of the space was taken up by a bed adorned with white sheets, a soft gray comforter, pillows, and cushions. A wide chair faced the bed, its cushions deep. There were no windows. At the head of the bed was a large mirror, and beside it, a small cabinet with two drawers.“You’ll find condoms and packets of lube in the cabinet,” Randy said. “You’re aware of the club’s strict safe-sex policy.”Mitch nodded. He had no problem with that. He’d never had bareback sex in his life.“There are also some toys, should you require them. If there’s something particular you’d like, simply ask. We do cater for those clients who are into S&M, but they generally stipulate their needs ahead of time. Would that be of interest to you this evening?”Mitch was sure his face was bright red. “Uh, not for me, thank you.”Randy gave a polite nod. “Then I shall go and bring Nikko to you.” He exited the room.Mitch gazed around him while he removed his jacket. He placed it on the chair and examined the prints on the wall. The room was definitely nothing like he’d expected; he’d had something much more austere in mind. A glance behind the screen revealed a toilet, tastefully hidden from view.They really do think of everything.Mitch scanned the walls and corners for any sign of a camera. Nothing. But from a safety aspect alone, he knew there had to be one in there somewhere.Damn, they’re good.He came back to the bed and sat, bouncing on it to test its springiness.“Are we to be using it as a trampoline?” a soft voice asked.Mitch jerked his head toward the door just as it closed gently. Nikko stood there, his fingers laced together in front of him, dark brown eyes focused on Mitch, his braid not visible, his expression impassive.Mitch coughed and rose to his feet. “Maybe not.” He took a few steps toward Nikko, his hand extended, his belly tensed. Inwardly he cursed his uncertainty. It wasn’t as if he was a stranger to meeting guys, but after two years of being in a relationship, he felt decidedly out of practice. And this was definitely a new experience.Nikko took his hand almost shyly and shook it, his fingers cool to the touch. “I’m Nikko.” The handshake over, he laced his fingers once more and stepped back, maintaining his distance from Mitch. His manner had Mitch retreating too.“Is that your real name, or just one you use here?” Mitch wanted to know. When Nikko raised his eyebrows, Mitch felt the warm flush that rose up his chest and neck. “I’m sorry. This is my first time in a… in one of these places.”Nikko became still for a moment, tension evident in his posture. When he smiled, it didn’t reach his eyes. “Then we have something in common. And to answer your question, Nikko is my real name. May I know yours?” Those eyes were captivating, a rich, deep brown framed with long, sooty black lashes, and set in a pale, unblemished face.“I’m Mitch.” It was on the tip of his tongue to say Pleased to meet you, but the words sounded wrong given the circumstances. I don’t suppose there are etiquette rules for greeting a hooker in a brothel.Not that Nikko resembled his preconceptions of what a hooker looked like. The young man was beautiful, maybe five foot five, six max. He felt tiny next to Mitch’s five foot eleven. Those clasped fingers were slim, his hands delicate. Mitch was reminded of one of his mother’s ethereal porcelain figurines in her china cabinet back home. They shared that same fragile quality.“Are… are you feeling awkward too?” Nikko asked, biting his bottom lip. “You’re my first… client.” A flush crept across his cheeks and his ears turned red.His words stirred something in Mitch’s chest, an absurd desire to enfold Nikko in his arms, to protect him. The yearning took him by surprise. Maybe it was Nikko’s slight build, his fragility, that engendered the inclination. Whatever it was, it sent a rush of warmth through Mitch’s body.He beckoned to Nikko. “Come here.”Slowly Nikko walked over to him, his gaze fixed on Mitch’s face. He stopped a few feet in front of him and tilted his chin up, not quite meeting Mitch’s gaze. The rapid rise and fall of Nikko’s chest, the ragged breathing, betrayed the nerves he hid. Mitch stretched out his hand to cup Nikko’s face, his large hand exaggerating the diminutive young man’s size.“How old are you?” Mitch asked quietly. Nikko had to be barely legal.“I-I’m twenty-two,” Nikko said in a low voice that cracked. “I know how I look, Mitch. I’m old enough to work here. This may be my first time with a client, but I’m not a virgin.”“I never thought for a second that a virgin would be working here,” Mitch admitted. He tilted his head. “You can come closer, you know. I won’t hurt you.”Nikko swallowed, blinking. “I… I’m sorry. It’s just that you’re not how I expected a client to be.”Mitch took a step closer. “How did you think I would be?” He kept his voice low and soothing. Nikko reminded him of a colt he’d spent time with on his uncle’s farm as a boy. The young man gave an impression of being about to bolt at any second.Nikko took a deep breath. “I didn’t expect to be treated with so much… respect.”Now Mitch got it. “Come closer,” he said, coaxingly. When Nikko hesitated, Mitch gave him a warm smile. “Nikko, I meant it. I will not hurt you. I don’t have it in me to do that.”Nikko regarded him in silence. “I believe you.” He inhaled slowly and took that last step to bring him to Mitch.Mitch couldn’t help himself. He bent his head lower and took Nikko’s mouth in a gentle kiss. Nikko held himself still for a moment longer before putting his slim arms around Mitch’s neck and responding, his lips parting.When Mitch broke the kiss, Nikko looked up at him with shining eyes. “Thank you.”“For what?”Nikko smiled, this time genuinely. “For being gentle.” His breathing hitched. “You… you make this easier than I thought it would be, Mitch.”Mitch’s first reaction was a surge of pleasure, until a thought nagged at him. He paused, his hands on Nikko’s shoulders. “Are you here because you want to be?” Something about Nikko’s choice of words tugged at his mind.Nikko regarded him, face calm. “I chose to be here, Mitch. Have no doubt about that.” There was no trace of deception in his voice or expression. He reached up with both hands and cupped Mitch’s face. “Kiss me again?” His Adam’s apple bobbed.“Are you asking because you want to be kissed or because you feel you should ask?”Nikko stared at him, lowering his hands, his eyes wide. “You are… perceptive.”Mitch shrugged. “I use my eyes, is all. If you’d rather we sit on the bed for a while, maybe chat, that’s okay, I don’t mind.” He waited for Nikko to make the next move. The young man was skittish enough without Mitch making matters worse.Nikko’s breathing grew more even. “Then I should like you to kiss me, because”—he stroked Mitch’s cheek, the touch light, and for the first time, he looked Mitch in the eye—“because I want you to.”Mitch smiled. “That’s better.” He caressed Nikko’s cheek, brushing his fingertips over his cheekbones. “Because I want to kiss you.”Nikko closed his eyes, lips parted, waiting.Fuck. Nikko was beautiful.

Born and raised in the north-west of England, K.C. WELLS always loved writing. Words were important. Full stop. However, when childhood gave way to adulthood, the writing ceased, as life got in the way. K.C. discovered erotic fiction in 2009, when the purchase of a ménage storyline led to the startling discovery that reading about men in love was damn hot. In 2012, arriving at a really low point in life led to the desperate need to do something creative. An even bigger discovery waited in the wings—writing about men in love was even hotter….

K.C. now writes full-time and is loving every minute of her new career. The laptop still has no idea of what hit it… it only knows that it wants a rest, please. And it now has to get used to the idea that where K.C goes, it goes. And as for those men in love that she writes about? The list of stories just waiting to be written is getting longer… and longer….

Truth is stranger than fiction at The Company. Things get especially exciting when the unknown comes wrapped in the gossamer thread of magic and mayhem. On the other side of this shimmery coin lies Love, the protective cloak that gives all we do meaning and validation. Thus, the world of the supernatural is a prelude and backdrop to romance that unfolds in all its glorious colors.

A woman uses a love potion to attract a man and repel another, yet gets more than she bargained for when the unexpected happens right where she least expects it. A man, both angel and demon, struggles with his identity while danger lurks around the corner and a new, powerful emotion takes over his being, shaking him to the core. An ambitious account executive is thrust in the midst of an old war between vampires and hunters, a kiss has her float in mid-air, and the world she’s always known shatters around her.

Trapped in the Company by Olivia Gaines
It all went wrong. Clarice’s plan was to use just a bit of the love potion to attract one man, hoping to repel another, but a twist of fate and poor timing left her trapped in the company with Elliott Marsden for the weekend. Keeping her reputation intact was the least of her concerns; she needed to be extra savvy to survive a night with Elliott

Company Secrets by Xyla Turner
Jessica Cayman is an ambitious Account Executive for Delancey, Inc. She stays in her lane, works hard and has her eyes set on becoming a partner within the next year. The plan is easy until Sage Wesley, III from The Company refuses to work with her.

His aversion to Jessica turns into a kiss that literally has both of them off their feet. Floating in midair? Then a bite on her neck?

There are too many secrets and Jessica soon finds herself in the middle of an old war between vampires and hunters…too many company secrets.

Cruz Control: In Bad Company by Tiana Laveen
Born in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, Cruz Black spent most of his life attempting to escape the stifling, horrifying bonds of his bloodline. Part Angel Child, part Demon Child, his upbringing was built on the opposite side of ‘normal’. But, things change when the notorious King Angel Child of New York, Dr. Saint Aknaten, takes him under his wing. During an investigation into a Los Angeles hate crime case assigned to him by Saint, Cruz finds much more than he bargained for causing the sparks fly in an inferno of attraction when Cruz meets Chef Erika. Like brimstone bricks, the pair fall for each other fast and hard, and the chemistry is unmistakable. Cruz has found his mate, but will Erika stick around once he reveals the true nature of a beast?

“Good morning beautiful,” Elliott Marsden said with a way too happy smile coming across his way too handsome face.

“Good day to you Mr. Marsden,” she responded. Her hands clamped tight around the box of ink pens she was taking to the conference room for the morning meeting. A few extra notepads were going as well.

“Why are you always blowing me off?” Elliott wanted to know.

“Because if I took you seriously, we would be in HR with me filing a claim for sexual harassment,” she said flatly.

Elliott balked at the use of such dirty words. He adjusted the overpriced tie as he formed his lips to say something that was probably going to irritate her all day. Clarice held up her hand midway, stopping at about her waistline.

“I know, as a salesman, you are a ‘people person’,” she added the last part with air quotes. “It is a refined portion of your skill-set to blow smoke up the keister of every limp wiener you encounter, but Mr. Marsden, I am not a wiener, nor am I limp enough to require your unneeded fluffing.”

“Jeeezusss on a stick,” Elliott responded.

“No Mr. Marsden, Jesus died on a cross,” she said flatly. “The meeting starts in 15 minutes. The coffee is hot, the doughnuts are on the table and you have lipstick smudges on your face.”

It never failed. No matter what approach Elliott took with Clarice, she never had time for him. It was even more insulting since he was the number one salesman in the company that he could not sell her on the one product he knew better than the nose on his face. Himself. This was a major issue for him, becoming more troublesome with each day that passed, especially now since he would be in the office every day with her. Before, he only saw her a few times a month when he came in off the road. Irony punched him in the chest and told him to take a seat. He worked hard to obtain the promotion to get the new job because he wanted more than anything to come into the office every day so he could be closer to her. For some damned reason, the woman turned him on. She turned him on to the point of distraction. He couldn’t understand it either, simply because she was nothing like any woman he had ever dated.

--

Company Secrets by Xyla Turner

“I have a Jessica Cayman here to see you…Yes…Will do.” He never broke contact with us as he spoke, including replacing the receiver on its base. “He will not be able to see you now. He said that what he said over the phone earlier still stands and there was no need for you to come.”

Say what?

I’ve been known to have a temper or two and sometimes Sandra will schedule me a ‘walk’ to cool down when she felt me creeping to that place of madness, but it was a little late at that moment. I started walking towards the only door that I saw behind the receptionist area.

“Where do you think you’re going?” The man called as he stood up.

“Oh, no you don’t,” Sandra slid behind his desk to block him from stopping me.
That was my girl.

Apparently, she was not going to stop me but aid me in breaking all sorts of office protocols.

My hand jerked on the knob to open the door and allowed it to fling open so it would slam against whatever was behind it. As my eyes adjusted to the lack of light within the room, I saw a chair swivel around towards me from the large wooden executive’s desk in the middle of the extremely large office. There was not much furniture in the office, except a bench on the far left side of the room. The shades were drawn, and there was no light coming through the thick, black drapes. There were several other doors, and one of them had a silver, locked padlock on the outside.

The man was hard to see in the dark room, but when he stood up, I could tell he was clearly annoyed.

“Did you just barge into my office?”

“I did,” I said, standing my ground. “The same rude way you hung up on me almost an hour ago. The same rude way you just refused to see me when I’ve come all the way to give you a piece of my mind, and the same rude way you are refusing to work with me and those were the specific instructions in order to receive the contract. WORK with one another.”

He was probably a surly old man who was angry at the world and had poor eyesight. Hence, the lights being off. Who does that during working hours?

“Rude?” He growled and started to come from around the desk. “You come here uninvited, and then you barge your ass into my office after my assistant sent you away.”

Wait.

He was getting closer, and the man was not old.

Actually, he was quite handsome.

A young, tall Robert Redford, to be exact.

His dark hair was shaved on the sides, and the rest of his length was pulled back with almost no product, unlike his assistant who poured it on. The man’s facial features were sharp, as he had deep-set eyes, full lips, and a model might hurt him for those cheek bones. He was slightly pale, which made me pause because he might have been sick. Another reason to have the doors closed during the middle of the day.

“And you call me rude?” He broke my sympathy right in half.

“Yes,” I snapped as I took a step to meet him. “We’re supposed to be working together. How are we going to do that, if you are under some delusional impression that this account is yours? It’s not.”

Holy shit.

We were one foot within each other and we both stopped. He wasn’t a cute man; he was breathtaking.

Stop, Jessica.

Just stop.

--

Cruz Control: In Bad Company by Tiana Laveen

“Cruz, we hired Erika to cater all of our functions about two years ago.” She’d almost forgotten Randy’s drunken ass was still standing there. “She is one of the chefs over at the Commonwealth restaurant. If you don’t know what that is, it’s magnifique!” The man brought his pursed fingers to his lips and kissed them as if he were French. “I’ll have to take you there sometime. It will blow your mind! Erika is a true gem. She’s got the magic touch.”

“Thank you, Randy. You’re always so kind.” She crossed her arms and smiled appreciatively at the man.

“I speak the truth. Cruz, I’m going to start saying my goodbyes. Come along, I can introduce you to a few more people.”

“Hey, uh, why don’t you get started and I’ll join you in just a sec.”

Randy paused, looking rather surprised, and then a silly grin creased his face as he shot Erika an all-knowing glance. He looked back at Cruz.

“No problem!” The man departed, jolly and full of liquor.

I like Randy but Cheryl needs to really tell him to stop treating these dinners like some corner bar meet up. This ain’t Mardi Gras, goodness gracious. If he’d been laughing and speaking any louder, little children in China would’ve asked their parents who the hell was ringing in the New Year already… year of the damn hyena…

Just then, Cruz suddenly burst out laughing.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” he said, quickly subduing himself. “I’m just thinking about something that happened earlier today. Excuse me.” He stood straight, attempting to look serious.
She wasn’t sure what to make of it, but she let the shit roll on past. After all, he’d been drinking quite a bit, too.

“So, are you his bodyguard?” She chuckled.

“Sort of…”

“Oh.” She turned and set the tray down on an empty table. “I thought I was making a joke. I’m sorry.”

The man smirked. “I was just teasing you. No, but I try to look out for him like he’s looked out for me. He’s family. Our fathers are cousins,” he clarified. Cruz crossed his arms and cocked his head ever so slightly to the right as he peered down at her. She didn’t miss how his sights landed smack dab on her breasts. “How long have you been cooking professionally?” he asked, his gaze hooking hers.

“Since I was eighteen. I’m now thirty, so as you see, it’s been a while.”

My birthday was just last month.

“Happy belated…”

She gasped in shock.

I said that in my head! How’d he know?!

Suddenly, his eyes widened, but he offered no explanation.

Oh no, uh uh… you are going to explain this shit to me right now!

“How’d you know my birthday just passed?” She swallowed, discomfort growing within her and refusing to mince words.

“You said I’m now thirty. You put the emphasis on the word, ‘now’, so I figured it must’ve passed recently.”

She looked at him for a moment, then burst out laughing, feeling rather silly. Of course… That makes sense. I must’ve been sippin’ the cooking sherry my damn self tonight. Just ridiculous.

--

Author Bios:

Olivia Gaines is the award winning best selling author of Thursdays in Savannah. She also writes the best selling serial The Blakemore Files. Olivia has been called a "queen of romantic comedy" and her romances are praised as "hilarious, touching, and heartwarming. Highly recommended!" She lives in Hephzibah, GA with her husband, son and snotty cat, Katness Evermean.

Tiana Laveen is the award-winning, bestselling author of the Saint series and the Race to Redemption series. She has written over twenty-five novels and is passionate about the work she creates, wishing to reach her readers cerebrally as well as in their hearts.

Xyla Turner was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. As a teenager, Xyla wrote short stories and essays that have won numerous awards in local to nationwide competitions. She is an avid reader, but a sucker for romance. Specifically, sassy females and dominant males. Xyla is a dedicated educator and a life coach. Outside of reading, Xyla likes to spend time with her family and travel. She writes different genres, but her favorite is romance.

Witching isn’t easy, and these magical hotties have their cauldrons full.

The Witch:

A potion gone wrong, or right?

Single, unemployed, and in charge of her very own pet zombie, Ella Perry is cooking up trouble, and it's raining men.

The Pixie:

Be careful what you wish for, or better yet, what you allow your friends to wish for.

As Samuel the Dark’s ward, Tam the Pixie is living in the mortal realm under the watchful eye of her guardian angel, Thomas. However, when she gives Thomas one free wish, she never expects that he’ll use it to turn her life upside down.

The Angel:

Temptation so strong you can taste it.

Guardian Angel Gideon Black has found a new career since being granted his freedom from the Heavens. Working as a professional fighter has given Gideon a place to release his powers. However, he has another outlet in mind—Skylar Jones.

The Devil:

Because only the dead go there…

Once upon a time, Rowena pulled Randall Cruz into a supernatural fight to regain her powers. In retaliation, Randall cast a spell that gave him the control she seeks. Except for a few angels, a zombie, and an outrageous pixie, Randall enjoyed his quiet life as owner of the local apothecary before Rowena pushed her way in. Since the day they met, he’s been forced to battle a pirate, give up wearing glasses, and now deal with the Devil. Every day, he braces for what will come next.

Undeniable attraction, struggle for dominance, and love to last through the ages comes to life in this battle for the only uncontrollable element-- the heart.

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He had a right to remain suffocated by his pain. She had a right to remain silent about hers. For better or for worse. Those were the vows that I had taken with my wife six years ago. We had lived through the better and were barely getting through the worse. I tried to face our loss together, while she chose to have an affair instead. Time apart was what we both needed. What I didn’t expect in that time was her. The beauty she possessed on the outside was a far cry from the scars she was harboring on the inside. She wasn’t looking for love and neither was I. She just needed someone to help her deal with the pain she had been carrying around for the past two years, and I was happy to oblige. I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with her, but suddenly I was seeing a future that I never dreamed of right in front of my eyes….only to find that the past had other things in mind for us. *** I always believed that we only got one true love in life, and mine was gone and never coming back. Through the tear-filled nights and never ending days, I was slowly and tortuously coming to terms with the pain that was my reality. And then he entered my life. Tall, handsome, genuine and caring, he was a friend when I needed one most. Together, we were a temporary fix to our own permanent pain. Just two people helping each other to get through a very dark period in life. But when the light begins to shine ever so slightly with each passing day, and his face is all I can see at the end of that tunnel…..do I run back into the darkness or move into the light with him?

Ever since I can remember, I have always enjoyed Creative Writing. There was always something about being able to travel to a different place or become a different person with just the stroke of a pen - or in today's world a touch of the keyboard. I am the author of The Exception To The Rule, An Unplanned Lesson, An Unplanned Life, Drowning In Love, A Cry for Hope, A Will To Change, Blind Side of Love, When The Chips Are Down and Easy Silence.

My life is not as interesting as my books or the characters in them, but then again whose life is? I'm a mom of twin teenage boys, a crazy Border Collie and a cat with an identity crisis! I guess you can say writing is my form of relaxation.

Former assassin Rex realizes retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be without someone to share it with. He longs for the kind of connection his friends Hunter and Casey have. Tired of meaningless hookups, Rex and his wolf are ready to find their mate. But what if his mate is the human-were bunny shifter his former boss placed in his care? Can he win the heart of this fierce and beautiful man?

Abducted and genetically altered against his will, Aaron is thrust into a world he’d thought was only make-believe. Under the protection of a Minnesota wolf pack, he struggles with his new abilities as a rabbit shifter and his growing attraction for his cocky protector. Can he trust the former assassin to keep him safe and find his brother still being held captive by the evil group responsible for changing his life forever?

“Ms. Morgan wove a tale of loyalty, honor and love. It was a quick read but fully developed and well thought out.”~4 Star Review by The Romance Reviews (from Amazon)

“Another great story by V.S. Morgan! . . . Once I started Rex's Mate, I couldn't put it down. The author has managed to put just the right amount of angst and suspense in the book, along with some sweetness and humor, that keeps you flipping pages. I can't wait to see who's story is next!” ~5 Star Review by Sydnee (from Amazon)

Something tickled his ear, and teeth nipped the lobe. Oh, he liked it a bit rough.“Oh yeah, baby. Bite me again. Harder.” Rex opened his eyes, finding himself on his side, face-to-face with the rabbit.“Screw that!” He scrambled back, landing bare-assed on the floor.Screw bunny?His wolf’s puzzled response had him crab walking toward the door. How the hell had it gotten in bed with him? Hunter. That shithead.Leaving the rabbit there, Rex shoved onto his feet and stormed upstairs to their room. He opened the door with so much force it slammed against the wall, causing Priss to bark at the end of the bed.His righteous indignation diminished slightly with Hunter’s Glock trained on him. Maybe he needed to rethink how soft the former assassin had gotten. His friend lowered the gun and glared at him.“What the hell, Hunter?” He planted his hands on his hips, more confident without a gun pointed at his face.Casey sat up and rubbed his eyes, his reddish-blond hair standing on end. “What’s the naked, crazy man yelling about?”Hunter covered the little wolf’s eyes. Shifters weren’t prudes, but he was one possessive dude now he had a mate. “What’s your damage? And go put some clothes on. Casey doesn’t need to see your man bits.”“As if you didn’t know. I moved here, froze my balls off last winter, and how do you repay that friendship? By putting a rabbit on my bed. That wasn’t funny. I could have eaten him.” His stomach churned even though his wolf huffed in denial, insulted by the accusation.No eat. Wolf like bunny.Yeah, probably too much, you dumb wolf.

V.S. Morgan has lived all over the US but calls Minnesota her home now. Her family includes her hubby, son, and a menagerie of pets.She's been writing stories since she could hold a pencil and dreams of happily-ever-afters - even for two hot men - because love knows no boundaries. V.S. writes IRMC contemporary, paranormal, and suspense m/m and m/f with heart. V.S. is a GLBT ally and a lifetime contributor of The Trevor Project.

To celebrate the upcoming release of DEMAND (Careless Whispers book two) on May 31st Lisa Renee Jones has put DENIAL (Careless Whispers book one) on sale for $1.99 (reg. $7.99) for the FIRST TIME!! Grab your copy:Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | More ChannelsAbout the book: From New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, the first book in the CARELESS WHISPERS series. This is a spin-off of the INSIDE OUT series (in development for TV) that follows Ella Ferguson, Sara McMillan's best friend. Ella Ferguson awakes alone in Italy, unsure of who she is, and a gorgeous man has claimed her as his own. He's tall, dark, and sexy, with money and power, the kind of man who makes a girl want to be possessed. And he does possess her, whispering wicked wonderful promises to her, stealing her trust and her heart. Soon though, the past finds her, yanking her from a cocoon of passion and safety. Everything is not how it seems. The truth will shatter her world, but it can set her free, if it doesn't destroy her first. Lisa is also hosting a MEGA giveaway for her readers! You can win a COACH purse full of beauty products (OPI, Tarte, Soap & Gloary and more!) and a TON of gift cards! Enter here:lisareneejones.com/demand-goodreads-giveaway/Lisa's bio: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series, which is now in development for a television show to be produced by Suzanne Todd of Team Todd (Alice in Wonderland). Suzanne Todd on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with. I’m thrilled to develop a television show that will tell Sara’s whole story - her life, her work, her friends, and her sexuality. In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press. Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine. Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily. Facebook | Newsletter | Twitter | Instagram

Moody and difficult, brilliant and beautiful, Kes scared me and he protected me. He could be incredibly hurtful and incredibly thoughtful. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me. He challenged me, he took me out of my safe little box and showed me the world could be magnificent. He was everything I wasn’t.

Aimee Anderson is ten when the traveling carnival first comes to her nice little town. She doesn’t expect her world to change so completely. But meeting Kestrel Donohue puts her life on a different path.

Even though she only sees him for the two weeks of the year when he passes through her home town, his friendship is the most important of her life. As a child’s friendship grows to adult love, the choices become harder, and both Kes and Aimee realize that two weeks a year will never be enough…

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

THE TRAVELING WOMAN

How many times do you gamble on love? When love has knocked you down, should you give it another chance? When does optimism become stupidity?

And what happens when the man you’re in love with is never still, always moving, always traveling? Do you say goodbye, or do you leave behind everything that you’ve worked for, everything that you’ve ever known? Can a traveling carnival be my home?

Oh. You thought I had the answers. No, sorry. No answers, just a lot of questions—and a heart that wants to rule my head.

Can one person be my home?

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

ROUSTABOUT

I’ve been thinking a lot about family. It’s not where you come from that matters, the people you were born to. That’s just life’s lottery. No, your real family are the people who travel your road, the family you choose for yourself. My brothers don’t share my blood, but they share my hopes and dreams, understand my fears, know what makes me tick.

They know I have rules, they just don’t know why. And I’m happy to keep it that way.

I love women. Love ‘em. The more the better. Blondes, brunettes, redheads, they can have freakin’ purple stripes—I don’t care. As long as they know about the rules, I’m not hurting anyone.

The Rules

Never give a woman my number.That’s smart.

Never sleep with them more than once.Why only eat the red M&Ms when you could have all the other colors, too?

Always leave her satisfied.That’s just polite.

Always leave never look back.That’s safe.

* * * * *

Twelve years ago Tucker McCoy walked away from the hell that was his family with not much more than the shirt on his back. No regrets. Never once looking back.

Living his life as a roustabout turned stunt rider with a traveling carnival keeps a smile on his face. His new family are the people he’s chosen to be in his life, the people who travel his road. Kes, Zach and Zef don’t share his blood, but they share his hopes and dreams. Understand his fears and know what makes him tick. They’re his brothers, his real family.

If you keep moving, no one can catch you—it’s a simple rule. So when Tucker crosses paths with Tera Hawkins, he knows he should move on. There’s no woman that’s ever been worth breaking his rules for. Besides, she’s off limits, untouchable. He knows stronger men would walk away, but dammit, he’s always been weak.

All he can offer her is a night she’ll never forget, but will that one taste be enough?

The Traveling Man

The sound of a steady drumbeat filled the air, and I shivered at the primal sound.

The murmur of the crowd dropped away, and we all gasped when Kes exploded into the arena riding at a gallop. Kes was barefoot and wearing jeans, but that was all. No costume, no bandana, no shirt, no hat. Instead he was carrying a flaming torch in each hand, controlling Jacob Jones with just the lightest pressure of his knees. My jaw dropped, and a sigh rose up from the crowd as the red and yellow flames flickered brightly against the darkening sky.

I heard two high school girls sitting behind me giggle, and I rolled my eyes.

Kes slid his leg across the neck of his galloping pony and leapt to the ground. I nearly jumped out of my seat when he brought one of torches up to his face and a huge flame shot from his mouth.

Then Con tossed him the third burning torch and Kes started to juggle with them. I could barely watch, and saw most of the act from between my fingers. But I was so proud of him, too. He couldn’t spell and he barely knew the alphabet, but he could hold a crowd transfixed.

Dono galloped in wearing a leather vest, then threw a fourth torch to Kes. I felt sick with fright as the flames seemed to engulf his hands. I knew they hadn’t, but gosh, it sure looked like it! The torches flew into the air as Kes juggled them expertly. Then he tossed a torch to Dono and one to Con as he leapt back onto Jacob Jones. I could almost feel the heat of the flames as Kes galloped past; the roar of the crowd, the steady beating of the drum—it was raw and real, too much and not enough.

At the end of the show, all three members of the family stood in the center of the arena to take their bows. The crowd gasped and I screamed as Kes swallowed the flames of a single torch. As one, people rose up, stamping their feet, clapping and cheering. The applause rolled around the arena as first Kes, then Con and finally Dono, jumped onto the backs of their galloping ponies and shot out of the ring.

I raced after them and saw Kes toss the last three torches into a water barrel. I threw myself at him, babbling incoherently as my fingers slipped on his sweat-slick skin.

“You were amazing!” I shrieked loud enough to make him wince.

His grin said it all.

“Where … how … who taught you to do that?”

Kes jerked his chin at Ollo who winked at me.

“I want to learn,” I whispered in Kes’s ear. “Teach me.”

At first he looked shocked, and then he nodded minutely.

“Don’t tell anyone,” he said.

¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪☆•CARNIVAL •☆♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸

“The word L♥ve burned on his lips…”

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to write. Perhaps it was growing up in a village well known for its mystery and folklore, which sparked my imagination as a child.

I enjoy writing in several different genres, and I've just published my first romcom, 'Dazzled'.

All my books have a little me in them, and I'm inspired by the personal stories of those around me. It's often from a simple discussion overheard in the train ('Exposure'), in a café, or in the street, where ideas for characters or scenes come to me.

I fell in love with both Sam ('The New Samurai') and the eponymous Sebastian in 'The Education of Sebastian' and the sequel 'The Education of Caroline', and missed them desperately once I'd finished their stories. I love writing dialogue and always try to include touches of humour in the most poignant stories.

Whether you like adult romance novels, new or young adult writing, thrillers, or fantasy, I hope you'll enjoy the journey through my stories.

About Me

I'm a Texas gal with a wonderful husband, an amazing six year old son, and an adorable newborn baby boy!​My blog is about the best things in life - cooking, books, giveaways and reviews of everyday products! ​This is a PR-friendly blog!!